This site is based on my daily practice of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate-do websites, this page is primarily dedicated to training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.

Sunday, 17 February 2013

SEMINARS IN SOUTH AFRICA (PART 4): Beach Training

Revision of Seiryu kata

Gary Grapentin Sensei (chief instructor of East Cape Shotokan-ryu and seminar organiser) arranged a training on Kariega Beach, which I thoroughly enjoyed instructing... As I went overtime with my lesson, I checked if the participants were keen to continue in the darkness, they answered with a determined "osu": so we continued.

The session was for advanced karateka so we used the time to practice kihon, kumite and Seiryu kata: primarily revising what I taught during the weekend seminars.

In particular, emphasis was placed on the difference between bunkai (merely to learn the kata sequence properly - literally `analysis'), which we utilised in this class; and oyo (application: the actual combative applications/self-defence principles of the kata); moreover, the use of junansei (softness) to maximise impact power. All of the participants did very well, and gained a better understanding of Seiryu kata and Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu karate in general.

NB - Whilst one cannot learn kata with any depth merely from videos, as you (those who attended my South Africa Seminars) have been taught the kata and fully understand it through first-hand instruction, the video will now be useful for your study. Please apply the principles of Seiryu kata to the standard Shotokan kata, and also kihon, kumite and self-defence. I wish you all the very best in your karate-geiko.

About Me

My name is Andre Bertel. I am a New Zealand born karateka who lives in Oita City (Oita Prefecture, Japan). I've practiced the Shotokan style for many years, spending much time here in Japan, seeking to improve my skills and understanding of authentic Karate-Do. I was a student of the late Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. While I may never reach a high level in Karate-Do, I endeavour to do my best via daily training. Furthermore, I believe in promoting the true 'traditional Budo Karate' of Japan, which has and continues to be seriously undermined worldwide: especially in the West.
I am in deep gratitude for the wonderful friendships I have made worldwide, as an instructor, and as an ongoing student of Karate-Do. Overall, Karate-Do has been my way of life, and is something I live everyday.